USL PRO Feature

Friday, October 17, 2014

This Saturday as the fans enter Sand Creek Stadium for the first time since its renovation for the COS Pro Soccer Classic between Arizona United SC and the LA Galaxy II, Steve Trittschuh will look on in anticipation of what is ahead.

As the first coach in Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC history, Trittschuh is excited to see the stadium fill up for the first time, as he hopes it will frequently as his side makes its debut in USL PRO in 2015.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Trittschuh said recently. “I’ve been out there as this construction has been going on, and trying to picture it with 3,500 to 4,000 people in there, and it’s going to be a great atmosphere. The other thing is going to let the soccer community and the people coming out to the game see the level of play they’re going to be witnessing next year. I’ve watched these games, it’s a very good level of play, and I’m hoping it’s an entertaining match, that it’s open and high-scoring and people get excited about the game.”

Trittschuh was hired in March to lead the Switchbacks in their inaugural season, learning about the business side of the team in addition to frequently scouting and watching league contests throughout the season. Now, he is focused on building a team, with some signings getting set to be announced in the near future, and a key focus on what he wants his side to be able to take advantage of competitively.

“Especially with us being in Colorado Springs, I want us to take advantage of the altitude,” Trittschuh said. “Observing teams recently in this area, some teams really haven’t taken advantage of that and that’s one of the things we have to do, to make teams suffer that last 20-25 minutes of the game. I’ve got an idea of the type of player I want and that’s what I’m trying to find out there, just quality players that are competitive, want to win.”

As a former player who plied his trade in the years before and after the establishment of Major League Soccer, Trittschuh has seen the great strides made in the sport during the past 20 years first hand. A former player and then assistant coach for the Colorado Rapids, Trittschuh is hoping the Switchbacks can grow the sport further in their region and help develop players for the next level.

“It’s great, to use MLS as an example, to see the level of play and the level of play from the American player in the States’ now.  It’s growing, and I’m hoping that USL PRO is going to help develop more of those players toward that league,” he said. “That’s going to be one of my jobs, find some of these young players and develop them so that they can keep improving and improving, whether it’s here or whether it’s abroad or whether it’s for the national team, then I think we’ve done our job here.”

Finding the right players is obviously key to finding success quickly for any club, as exemplified by Sacramento Republic FC’s inaugural season. Trittschuh is hopeful he can find players of a similar level at not only the combine being held by the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion next week, but also at the Switchbacks’ first tryout next month.

With the vast majority of players who have applied to participate on November 22-23 coming from Colorado itself, and a few natives of the state showing interest in returning home to suit up for the Switchbacks, Trittschuh believes his side will have a strong local presence in 2015.

“We’ll have some Colorado players on the roster, and I’m hoping to have a good number of them because there are a good number of quality players that have come out of here and that are still playing the leagues around the United States right now,” he said. “Some combines are hit and miss, but some of the resumes that have come in, these guys have played at a good level, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they can show in front of me and the coaching staff, and the guys I have that are going to come out and evaluate players. I’m hoping to get a handful of players out of this combine, and hopefully some of them are from this area.”

Trittschuh also envisions a side that plays with the type of energy seen from the top clubs in USL PRO, including Sacramento. While playing within a system is important, allowing the players the freedom to attack and entertain is at the front of Trittschuh’s mind as he puts a squad together.

“I give the players freedom to be exciting, to be entertaining on the field, and I’m hoping that we can take that style of play and that people will be excited about it,” Trittschuh said. “It would be great to do something just like that, and Colorado Springs is a good place for it because early in the season there’s really not a whole lot going on. You have the Triple A baseball right next to us, but that’s going to be totally separate, so I’m hoping during the summertime people are going to be coming down and getting excited.”

After a taste of what’s to come on Saturday night, the hope is the road back to Sand Creek Stadium will be well-trod when the lights come on for the Switchbacks.

USL News Release

Friday, October 17, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – USL is heading to Clearwater Beach, Florida for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the fourth consecutive year, as its more than 100 clubs will gather at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach December 10-14 to prepare for the 2015 seasons and celebrate 2014’s accomplishments.

The annual event draws hundreds of owners, executives and coaches from USL PRO, the PDL and the W-League, as well as influential figures from national and international soccer organizations. This year’s annual gathering will see a large class of new franchises joining the 100-plus existing teams for a combination of business and social activities, including operational, educational and scheduling meetings and annual team and executive awards presentations at the USL Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. 

“This year’s AGM will be the most important in our history, as we continue to build a solid foundation for the future of soccer in the U.S.,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. “We are embarking on new initiatives that will more closely integrate all of our leagues, and the AGM will be a crucial time for working with our teams to lay the groundwork for a new era for USL.”

The 2014 USL AGM will get underway on Wednesday, December 10 for USL PRO and Thursday, December 11 for W-League and PDL clubs. There will be three a full days of meetings and special seminars including individual league meetings, player registration, broadcast operations, international affiliations, marketing and communications, and social media. 

The annual USL Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is set for Friday, December 12 as the teams gather to honor the teams and executives for their performances during 2014 and the induction ceremony for the USL Hall of Fame.  The AGM continues Saturday, December 13 with continued league meetings and scheduling, and closes the morning of Sunday, December 14.

W-League Roundup

Saturday, October 18, 2014

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Laval Comets’ Alex Pietrangelo scored the winner four minutes from full time as No. 14 Rutgers took a 2-1 victory against Illinois on Friday night at Yurcak Field to remain in second place in the Big Ten standings.

Pietrangelo, who had a pair of goals in nine appearances for the Comets this summer, nearly opened the scoring for the Scarlet Knights in the 10th minute as her corner kick had to be parried onto the crossbar by Illinois goalkeeper Claire Wheatley. Rutgers broke through nine minutes later, however, as Madison Tiernan drove home a finish from 25 yards.

The Illini hit back a minute later as Jannelle Flaws scored her 16th goal of the season as she caught Casey Murphy off her line with a spectacular finish from the halfway line.

The Scarlet Knights almost retook the lead seven minutes into the second half when Pietrangelo skipped a corner kick into the penalty area, only for Hayley Katkowski’s shot from the top of the six-yard area to go wide of the post.

Pietrangelo finally found the range with an Olimpico in the 86th minute, as her corner kick sailed high and bent enough to deflect in off the far post. The victory kept the Scarlet Knights two points behind Penn State in the Big Ten standings with four games remaining in their conference schedule.

No. 1 UCLA 6, ARIZONA 0: 2014 W-League All-League selection Sarah Killion had two goals and an assist and her former LA Blues teammate Sam Mewis had a goal and two assists as the Bruins romped past the Wildcats at Drake Stadium.

The Bruins broke through five minutes before the break as Blues midfielder Taylor Smith finished a good give-and-go with Mewis, but then the floodgates opened as UCLA scored four goals in 10 minutes shortly after halftime. Killion had the first from the penalty spot, and added a second after fellow Blues player Caprice Dydasco had scored the Bruins’ third. Darian Jenkins added a fifth before Mewis notched her 10th goal of the season to wrap up the scoring.

No. 4 STANFORD 3, COLORADO 0: Former Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Taylor Uhl and LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta each scored as the Cardinal took victory against the Buffaloes at Cagan Stadium on Thursday night.

Uhl opened the scoring six minutes before the halftime break as former LA Blues forward Chioma Ubogagu sent in a cross that found the senior for a header eight yards out. Labonta doubled the lead just before the hour mark with her sixth of the season, and Lauren Schmidt added a third late on as the Cardinal defense earned its 12th shutout of the season.

SOUTH CAROLINA 3, No. 5 FLORIDA 2: Carolina Elite Cobras forward Savannah McCaskill scored a pair of goals, including a dramatic game-winner, as the Gamecocks upset the Gators at Stone Stadium on Thursday night.

Fellow Cobra Chelsea Drennan gave the Gamecocks the lead in the second minute as she capitalized on a turnover and slotted home a finish from the top of the penalty area. McCaskill made it two in the 34th minute as she finished off a pass by Sophia Groff.

Florida hit back in the second half with a pair of goals, with the first by former Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Havana Solaun, who pulled a goal back in the 66th minute with a shot to the top-right corner. Annie Speese appeared to have sent the game to overtime 20 minutes later with a powerful shot, but McCaskill headed home a corner kick with a minute to go to hand Florida its first defeat in the SEC this season.

PDL Roundup

Saturday, October 18, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The River City Rovers’ Jerry Ramirez had the overtime game-winner as the University of Louisville upset No. 2 Syracuse 2-1 on Friday night at Lynn Stadium as the Cardinals handed the Orange their second defeat of the season.

Seven minutes into the extra session, the Cardinals were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. Freshman Tim Kubel delivered a ball into the penalty area, and Ramirez was able to get on the end to send the home fans behind the goal into celebrations.

"It was a set piece and I tried to sprint and beat the defender. It was perfect ball and I just had to tap it in and it went in," said Ramirez. "We just have to keep fighting. Tomorrow is an off day and we have to take care of the little stuff like that. This will give us a lot of momentum, so we just have to be focused and stay with our feet on the ground and keep fighting."

Syracuse had taken the lead in the 57th minute after it was awarded a penalty kick. Former Ocean City Nor’easters midfielder Nick Perea stepped up and converted from the spot.

The Cardinals got a penalty kick of their own to level the score, however, as Kubel converted following a foul in the penalty area. Syracuse was reduced to 10 men as Alex Halis was sent off for his second yellow card with four minutes to go, and the Cardinals took advantage in the first overtime period to move into a three-way tie along with Clemson at the top of the ACC Atlantic Division standings.

CLEMSON 2, No. 10 VIRGINIA 1: Reading United AC’s Manolo Sanchez had a goal and an assist as the Tigers recorded an upset of the Cavaliers at Riggs Field.

Sanchez opened the scoring in the 37thminute with his second goal in as many games. The senior volleyed home a rebound from 15 yards to put the Tigers up at the halftime break. Sanchez then began a move that saw Iman Mafi center for Austin Burkinel to make it two midway through the second half. Virginia pulled back a goal with nine minutes to go through Eric Bird, but the Tigers held on to claim a vital victory.

No. 15 NORTH CAROLINA 1, N.C. STATE 0: Portland Timbers U-23s midfielder Omar Holness scored the only goal as the Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack at Dail Soccer Field to keep pace with Notre Dame at the top of the ACC Coastal Division.

The Jamaican U20 international struck in the 76th minute as the Carolina Dynamo’s Robbie Lovejoy found the OC Pateadores Blues’ Andy Craven, who dropped a pass for Holness at the top of the penalty area that he drove home for his first goal of the season.

W-League Feature

Saturday, October 18, 2014

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Former LA Blues and New Jersey Wildcats standout Tobin Heath had a pair of goals as the U.S. Women’s National Team moved a step closer to a spot in the semifinals of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship with a 5-0 victory against Guatemala in Group A play at Toyota Park on Friday night. 

The United States now sits atop the group with one game remaining, and can advanced as group winner with a point in its final game against Haiti on Monday. Against Guatemala, the U.S. pulled away with four second-half goals as W-League alumni Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and center back Whitney Engen each tallied a goal. 

Heath opened the scoring in the seventh minute as Ali Krieger’s pass found 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year Sydney Leroux, whose low cross was met by Heath six yards out for a clinical finish. The U.S. was unable to add to its lead before the halftime break as Alex Morgan and Leroux both had chances that were denied by the Guatemalan defense, but 30 seconds into the second half the side found a second as Lloyd, a former member of the New Jersey Wildcats, headed home a cross by Leroux at the left post.

The United States scored two goals in two minutes to start to pull away just before the hour mark, as Heath grabbed her second with a flicked finish from a corner kick in the 57th minute. Fellow former Blues player  Engen struck a minute later as she headed home a free kick by Rapinoe, and the former Seattle Sounders Women midfielder added a goal to her assist in the 66th minute as she curled home a finish from 20 yards after Lloyd’s initial attempt had been blocked.

In the group’s earlier contest, Trinidad & Tobago defeated Haiti 1-0, leaving both teams level in second place in the group standings. The U.S. wraps up Group A play against Haiti on Monday night at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. A win or draw will earn the side first place in the group and a top seed to face the Group B runner-up in the semifinals.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release -- www.switchbacksfc.com

Saturday, October 18, 2014

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are proud to announce USL PRO veteran Luke Vercollone has signed as the club's first official player. Vercollone will join the club for its inaugural 2015 season, pending USSF approval.

“I am excited to have Luke as the first signed player for the Switchbacks FC,” said Switchbacks FC Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “He is a leader both on the field and off the field and his experience playing in this league will be a tremendous asset to the team. I look forward to building the team around Luke and adding more quality players in the next few weeks.”

Most recently, Vercollone played for Switchbacks FC's USL PRO rival the Richmond Kickers, where he had made more than 150 appearances since joining the club in 2008. 

Vercollone started his soccer career in Pembroke, Mass., where he won All-Conference and All-State honors. From there, he went to Seton Hall where he was named to the All-Big East First Team in his senior year and finished his college career with 11 goals and 24 assists. Vercollone also played for the Cape Cod Crusaders, and helped the team win the PDL Championship in 2002 and 2003.

In 2004, Vercollone was drafted 42nd overall into the MLS by the Columbus Crew, but joined the New England Revolution as a developmental player. In 2006, he joined USL PRO's Charleston Battery, where he made 66 appearances in two seasons. Then in 2008, he signed on with the Richmond Kickers and was part of the team when it won the 2009 USL Second Division Championship. He continued on with the Kickers through the 2014 season.

“I am super excited about joining Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC,” said Vercollone. “Since they were announced last year, it’s been my goal to play for them and to continue my professional career in Colorado near family. I’m hopeful to contribute to this team’s success on and off the pitch and to help establish a top-level pro soccer team in Colorado Springs.”

Vercollone currently lives in Fort Collins with his wife Andrea and their three children, Augustine, who is almost five, Gemma, who is almost three, and Estella, who is six-and-a-half months old.

W-League Roundup

Monday, October 20, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The LA Blues’ Makenzy Doniak scored and Washington Spirit Reserves midfielder Morgan Reuther had a pair of assists as No. 3 Virginia took a 2-1 victory against Louisville on Sunday afternoon at Lynn Stadium.

The Cardinals took the lead in the 19th minute when Kari Weinland found Alison Price at the top of the penalty area, and Price shot home into the left corner of the net. The Cavaliers hit back five minutes later as Reuther found Doniak inside the penalty area and the junior fired home her team-leading 10th goal of the season.

Virginia took the lead just before the halftime break, with Reuther again playing a key role. The sophomore fired a shot in from the top of the corner of the penalty area that was saved, but the rebound fell to Tina Iordanou, who tapped home for a 2-1 lead.

Louisville was reduced to 10 players five minutes into the second half when Rachel Avant was sent off for her second yellow card, and the Cavaliers were able to maintain control for much of the second half with a player advantage as the Cardinals were held without a shot on goal after the break.

"This was a tough trip and any ACC win is a good win," said Cavaliers head coach Steve Swanson. "I thought our team played well today in a lot of facets. Louisville was compact and organized as they worked to defend us. Even going down a goal, we stuck to the plan and scored a couple of nice goals. In the second half, the red card changed the game for both teams. It forced them to drop back even more and since we were up, we able to just possess the ball for most of the second half."

No. 6 NORTH CAROLINA 3, DUKE 0: The Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Bruder scored twice as the Tar Heels took victory against the Blue Devils at Koskinen Stadium to remain perfect in ACC play.

Bruder opened the scoring in the 27th minute as she headed home a free kick by Kate Bowen, and doubled the advantage 12 minutes after the break when she latched onto a good pass over the Duke defense by Joanna Boyles to finish from 15 yards. Alex Kimball finished the scoring on Bowen’s second assist of the game with 15 minutes to play.

No. 16 WEST VIRGINIA 2, No. 9 KANSAS 0: The Ottawa Fury’s Ashley Lawrence had assists on both goals as the Mountaineers upset the Jayhawks at Rock Chalk Park.

Lawrence set up a pair of goals for Kate Schwindel, who became the first player to record a multi-goal game against Kansas this season. West Virginia took the lead in the fifth minute as Lawrence flicked a pass to Schwindel to finish. Lawrence then beat a defender and served in a good cross that allowed Schwindel to finish from 10 yards with 13 minutes to go to wrap up victory.

No. 11 PENN STATE 2, MICHIGAN STATE 1: Former Ottawa Fury midfielder Kori Chapic found the back of the net as the Nittany Lions rallied to take victory against the Spartans at the DeMartin Soccer Complex.

Michigan State took the lead in the 20th minute when Megan Marsack fired home a low shot, but the Nittany Lions got back on level terms eight minutes before the halftime break as Chapic put home the rebound off a shot by Haleigh Echard. Penn State took the lead with just more than 20 minutes to go as Elizabeth Ball scored her first goal for the Nittany Lions to keep her side on top of the Big Ten standings.

No. 17 GEORGIA 2, LSU 0: Former Atlanta Silverbacks Women players Gabby Seiler and Rachel Garcia were on target as the Bulldogs took victory against the Tigers at the UGA Soccer Stadium.

Georgia took the lead in the 26th minute as Garcia took a pass from Mariel Gutierrez and lifted a finish over the goalkeeper. Seiler doubled the advantage four minutes before the halftime break with her ninth goal of the season as the Bulldogs took their 10th victory of the season.

CONNECTICUT 1, No. 18 CENTRAL FLORIDA 0: Former Ottawa Fury player Julie Hubbard scored the winner as the Huskies upset the Knights on Senior Day at Morrone Stadium.

Hubbard scored the winner in the 66th minute, as the senior blasted home a finish from 25 yards. The Huskies’ win snapped a 10-game undefeated streak for UCF, and allowed UConn to claim its third conference win of the season.

PDL Roundup

Monday, October 20, 2014

LOS ANGELES – No. 14 UCLA got a pair of goals by the Ventura County Fusion’s Abu Danladi as it moved top of the Pac-12 standings with a 3-0 win against No. 17 Oregon State on Sunday evening at Drake Stadium. Reading United AC’s Larry Ndjock also scored for the Bruins as they took their third conference win of the season.

After a slow start to the game, Danladi gave the Bruins the lead at the half-hour mark. Fellow freshman Chase Gaspar sent a long pass up field that found Danladi, who held off his defender, rounded the advancing goalkeeper and finished into the open net.

Danladi struck again nine minutes later as LA Misioneros center back Edgar Contreras sent a long pass forward that found the OC Pateadores Blues’ Leo Stolz. The senior found Danladi as he broke forward, and the freshman controlled and finished into the left corner to make it 2-0 at the break.

The Bruins wrapped up victory with just more than 20 minutes to go as Ndjock scored off the rebound from a shot by the Ventura County Fusion’s Jordan Vale. The victory was the Bruins’ second against a ranked opponent of the weekend, and moved them three points clear at the top of the Pac-12 standings.

“We did the job that was needed tonight to bookend the Washington result,” said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. “This puts us in a good spot in the conference after the halfway point. We will continue to work on getting better with some of the things that need improvement and most importantly we are happy with the six points on the weekend.”

No. 1 WASHINGTON 3, SAN DIEGO STATE 2: The Washington Crossfire’s Justin Schmidt and Sounders FC U23’s Ian Lange each had a goal and an assist as the Huskies took victory against the Aztecs at the San Diego State Sports Deck.

Washington scored twice in the opening 10 minutes. Lange opened the scoring in the sixth minute as he headed home a corner by Schmidt, and then provided the assist as Justin Fiddes put home a finish from 12 yards. SDSU pulled a goal back through Rene Reyes in the 23rd minute, but Schmidt restored the two-goal lead just past the hour mark as he put home a free kick from 20 yards. Travis Nicklaw scored for the Aztecs with six minutes to go, but the Huskies held on to take victory.

MARYLAND 2, No. 5 INDIANA 1: Former Baltimore Bohemians midfielder Alex Shinsky was on target as the Terrapins defeated the Hoosiers at Armstrong Stadium.

Shinsky scored his second goal of the season in the 20th minute when he picked up possession 30 yards from goal on the left, beat a defender at the top of the penalty area, and then curled a finish into the right corner of the net. Alex Crognale added a second for the Terps seven minutes into the second half before Femi Hollinger-Janzen scored with 17 minutes to go for the Hoosiers, but Maryland held on for its second win against a Top-5 opponent in as many weekends.

W-League Feature

Monday, October 20, 2014

The U.S. Women’s National Team closes group play at the 2014 CONCACACF Women’s Championship tonight as it faces Haiti in its final game in Group A at RFK Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with all of the action available live on Fox Sports 1 as the United States looks to finish at the top of its group with a win or a draw.

The U.S. claimed its second win in two games with a 5-0 victory against Guatemala on Friday night at Toyota Park. Former LA Blues and New Jersey Wildcats forward Tobin Heath had a pair of goals for the United States, while former W-League Rookie of the Year Sydney Leroux had a pair of assists, to lead the side to victory.

Heath and her fellow LA Blues alumni will go up against another former Blues player tonight in Haiti’s Shanna Hudson, who has started both of Haiti’s opening two games in the tournament. Hudson and her teammates took a 1-0 win against Guatemala in their opening game, but fell 1-0 against Trinidad & Tobago in their second group game, and will likely need a positive result to have a chance to advance to the semifinals.

The United States also got goals from former New Jersey Wildcats midfielder Carli Lloyd, Heath’s former Blues teammate Whitney Engen and former Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Megan Rapinoe in its victory against Guatemala. The side will be without former Sounders Women forward Alex Morgan in Monday’s game, however, after she suffered a sprained left ankle during Friday’s game and was ruled out for 4-to-6 weeks.

Should the U.S. earn at least a point, it would advance to play the runner-up of Group B, which will be the winner of Tuesday night’s game between Mexico and Jamaica, at PPL Park. Victory in the semifinal would earn a place not only in Sunday’s final, but also a berth at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

W-League Feature

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Behind a pair of goals by former W-League standout Abby Wambach, the United States Women’s National Team closed group play at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship with a third consecutive victory as it defeated Haiti 6-0 to finish at the top of Group A at RFK Stadium.

Wambach, the United States’ all-time leading scorer and a former standout for the Rochester Ravens, scored at either side of halftime while former New Jersey Wildcats midfielder Carli Lloyd, former LA Blues forward Christen Press, Meghan Klingenberg and Morgan Brian also found the back of the net.

The U.S. took the lead in the ninth minute as Wambach challenged Haiti goalkeeper Geralda Saintilus for a cross by Klingenberg. The ball fell to Lloyd, who controlled and put home a smart finish. Wambach added to the lead seven minutes before halftime as she ran onto a chipped pass by Press and headed home despite the efforts of the Haitian defense.

Klingenberg notched her first goal for the United States 12 minutes into the second half with a blistering first-time shot from 25 yards out into the right corner. Three minutes later, Wambach made it four as a header by Lloyd at the top of the penalty area split a pair of defenders and allowed the veteran to volley home from close range.

Press was in the right place at the right time in the 65th minute, as a good piece of interplay between Brian and 2011 W-League Rookie of the Year Sydney Leroux created a chance to shoot for Brian. The shot was deflected by the Haitian defense but fell to Press, who swept home a finish into the left corner. Brian added her third international goal with eight minutes to go as she took advantage of a low cross by Press to finish from eight yards.

The United States will now await its opponent in the semifinals, which is set to be determined on Tuesday night as Mexico and Jamaica meet in Group B. The U.S. will meet the group runner-up on Friday night at PPL Park, with all of the action set to be aired on Fox Sports 1.

USL PRO Feature

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

It’s been almost four years to the day since Philip Rawlins announced the establishment of Orlando City SC, and the club’s intention to become part of Major League Soccer.

A year ago, that goal was achieved, with the Lions set to join New York City FC in MLS for the 2015 season. In the four seasons between, the Lions have left their mark on USL PRO.

The numbers speak for themselves. Orlando City claimed three regular-season titles and two league championships. The club has earned 15 league awards, 12 First-Team All-League selections and another seven Second-Team picks.

Despite all of that, though, there has been one thing that has meant more to Rawlins than anything that the club has accomplished on the field.

“The most gratifying part for me has been to see the way that people have taken this team to their hearts,” he said recently. “It’s part of their lives, it’s part of their community now, it’s part of their culture, it’s part of what they do week-in and week-out, and we’ve been so very relevant to so many people in their lives - that’s been the most gratifying part, to see that.

“The baby that you’ve created has been adopted by everybody else as their own favorite child. That’s a lot of fun, and it’s a reason why it’s so rewarding.”

That the team found such success from the start certainly didn’t hurt the Lions’ efforts off the field, of course. At the heart of that has been head coach Adrian Heath, whose determination to get the best from his players has been evident since his arrival. One of the players that may have benefitted the most from Heath’s knowledge, and drive, is Kevin Molino, who this year broke out for both club and country.

The 24-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international had been USL PRO’s Most Valuable Player before, earning the honor in 2012, but this past summer was one that will take a lot to be surpassed by those who follow in USL PRO. His 20 goals set a new league record as he put himself into scoring positions on a more frequent basis.

“The one thing I used to kick on at him every single day was, ‘you’ve got to get in the box more, you’ve got to score more goals, you’ve got to make goals’,” Heath said. “Kevin’s such a lovely footballer, he’d enjoy making goals as much as scoring them in the past, and I said to him, ‘listen, for the next stage in your development you’ve got to start scoring more goals, you’ve got to get into the box more,’ and this year, everything’s come together.”

Heath is hopeful Molino will make a strong transition to Major League Soccer, along with the other players the club has already signed for next year that competed for the club in 2014. One who appears on the verge of joining that group is full back Luke Boden, who was rewarded for another consistent season with his first All-League selection this year, and is currently negotiating a contract to join the club in MLS.

“Getting voted by your peers and by the people who watch you week-in and week-out is only a just reward for the consistent performance he’s put in over the last few years,” Heath said of Boden. “We transformed him from a midfielder to a left back, and these last four years he’s been growing with us and getting better and better, more understanding of his role within the team, and he’d love to have the opportunity to come with us. We’re in the process of sorting his contract out. We’re delighted for him that not only has the work he’s put in over the last four years has been rewarded, but it’s nothing more than he’s deserved.”

While Boden, Molino and others will make the move to MLS, another of the Lions’ former players will be aiming to help groom the future for the side in Louisville. Former midfielder and assistant coach James O’Connor was named as Louisville City FC’s coach earlier this year when a group led by Wayne Estopinal purchased Orlando’s USL PRO rights, and Heath is full of confidence that the new franchise has the right man to lead it on the sidelines.

“I think one of the great things about James is what you see is what you get,” Heath said. “He wears his heart on his sleeve. He came in every single day, trained at his maximum. Everything he does, he wants to do at his maximum. He doesn’t want to let anybody down. He’s a very conscientious guy, wanted to be a coach for a long time. He’s got every badge you could have, he’s done all of his coaching qualifications, so it’s been in the making for Jamie for a long time, and we had to pick the right time for him to go on to the next stage, and we felt this was the right time.

“I’ve no doubt that James will be successful. He’s incredibly driven, knowledgeable, and he’s got an incredible will to be successful, so couple that with the club that he’s going to, we’re going to help  out as much as we can, I think James is a perfect fit for what we’re all trying to do.”

If O’Connor is a good fit for Louisville on the sidelines, Estopinal is the same in the club’s board room. A former member of the Lions’ Board of Directors, Estopinal is in the process of building a strong front office that includes veteran U.S. soccer executive Djorn Buchholz and former W-League Executive Director Amanda Duffy. Rawlins believes Louisville has a big opportunity to become another outstanding USL PRO franchise.

“I think it’s a great city; I think they’ll have tremendous, passionate support from The Coopers,” Rawlins said. “It’s a city that doesn’t have a lot of pro sports to say, and that’s why I think it will get well adopted and well embraced by the community. On the visits I’ve been there, I like the city of Louisville very much. I think it’s a great city to live and work and play in, and it will be fun to see that organization grow in the city over the coming years. I think they’ve got a really fertile ground to grow a very solid and very successful USL PRO club.”

Louisville will be one of a number of teams to join USL PRO in 2015, with the Austin Aztex set to join from the PDL, and the Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Saint Louis FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC announced as expansion franchises alongside the additions of the Portland Timbers 2 and Seattle Sounders FC 2. As a member of the league’s Board of Governors, Rawlins has been a strong advocate for the league as it has looked to grow the game in support of MLS.

“Really since Alec [Papadakis] took over the reins and started to take USL forward, there has been a massive sea of change, and that’s great to see,” Rawlins said. “I love the fact that the grassroots level of the game, the minor leagues of the game are doing so well and flourishing and developing and growing and being stable, and the fans are embracing their teams and coming out to games.

“You see what Sacramento is doing right now, which has been tremendous, but that’s true of a lot of teams. A lot of teams’ attendances are going up, the quality of play has increased dramatically in the past four years, the quality of facilities. You look at the teams that have just got their own stadiums and better facilities to play in, it is great to have seen that happen, it’s great to have been personally a small part of it. For me, USL PRO is now becoming the league I always thought it could be, and it’s very rewarding to see that happen.”

Heath agrees, and believes the partnership between Major League Soccer and USL PRO will allow the league to continue to get stronger on the field while offering young players a greater chance to reach their potential.

“The league’s getting better and better every season, and I think with this affiliation with USL PRO and MLS, it’s only going to get better and stronger,” he said. “I think it’s getting the base of the game in America - all of these players in the U.S. that the academies are producing and the game at the junior level is as strong as anything, and they’re going to need places to play - so I just see the game getting stronger across the board and the fact that there is this cooperation between USL PRO and MLS, there are so many young players now that are getting the chance to play real, meaningful games. It’s going to be great for their education and their growth as a player.”

Louisville certainly could be a destination for some of the bright prospects that are coming up through Orlando’s academy, and one of Heath’s aims for 2015 is to continue building the club from the ground up as more players look to follow in the footsteps of Tyler Turner and Tommy Redding, both of whom featured for the Lions this past season.

The other goal for 2015, of course, is to be competitive from the off in MLS. With the high-profile signing of Kaka, the Lions set a marker for what they expect their club to be as it joins the top flight of North American soccer, with the goal of reaching the playoffs the big target for Heath and his side.

“We want to be competitive,” Heath said. “We’ve always put ourselves out there, and Phil’s already come out saying we’re not going to be there to make the numbers up, so we’re encouraging each other and that’s part and parcel of the make-up of what we’re trying to achieve here. We want to try and make the playoffs. Only two teams have done it, and the first one was Chicago, so if we can make the playoffs next year, that would represent a really good first year.”

Rawlins is eager to see what Heath can do as he makes the transition, too. The long-standing relationship between the two has been integral to Orlando’s success so far, and is set to continue in MLS.

“I’m fortunate insomuch that I’ve only ever had one head coach,” Rawlins said. “My relationship with Adrian is very strong - we’re very close and we’re friends as well as business colleagues - and I’ve always said way back to our days in Austin that we’ve had a great coach, and probably one of the best coaches in the country, and I think he’s proved that. His track record is second-to-none. I’m just delighted for him, to be honest, that he’s going to get the chance to prove himself in the big leagues. He’s going to get to pit his wits and match his skills and coaching expertise against the best this country has to offer, and I personally expect him to be among the best in MLS, just as he’s been in USL PRO.”

While there remains work to be done, with the expansion draft next up for the Lions in December, Rawlins is already excited for the first time the Lions step onto the field as an MLS club, his vision from four years ago finally a reality.

“The journey has been hectic,” Rawlins said. “It’s been busy, it’s been non-stop to be honest, and it continues to be a very, very hectic-paced schedule and a lot to do, a lot to get ready for March of next year for our first MLS game, but it’s certainly been a very rewarding journey. We’ve had tremendous support from the community, support from our politicians, our sponsors, and of course most of all our fans, the people in central Florida who have taken Orlando City to their hearts and made it so real for us.”

And, Rawlins adds, there has never been a better time to be part of soccer in North America. With big ratings for the World Cup, the success of EA Sports’ FIFA video game franchise, and a new television deal for Major League Soccer set to start next year, the future appears bright not only for Orlando City, but for the sport as a whole.

“Whether it’s through cable television, or FIFA the game, however people get to digest soccer, the meal of the game is getting bigger and bigger, and more appetizing, and that’s why you could see the growth of the game coming,” Rawlins said. “It’s wonderful to be in the middle of that as it takes hold and takes root and you see people who, every day, embrace soccer for the first time in their lives, had never thought that they would be a soccer fan, and now they’re giving this game a chance. That’s the great thing about the United States, we do open ourselves up as a people to everything and we make ourselves very available and very accessible, and once you do that with soccer it gets into your bloodstream, and once it gets into your bloodstream that’s it, there’s no going back.

“I don’t think the game is going anywhere but up. I think it’s a very different time for soccer today than it was 30, 40 years ago when it had its last growth spurt. The game’s embedded now, and it’s just going to go from strength to strength. I think the only question that remains is how big is it going to become?”

PDL Feature

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Ventura County Fusion standout Abu Danladi might have been frustrated in his freshman season at UCLA as injuries hampered his playing time for the Bruins, but now that he’s back to full fitness the former Gatorade National Player of the Year is making a strong impact. After two goals and an assist for the Bruins during the past week, Danladi was named the Pac-12 Player of the Week for the first time, and named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Team of the Week, to lead the current and former PDL players to be honored in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer.

Danladi provided an assist on the Bruins’ opening goal as they upset then No. 1 Washington 2-1 Thursday night. He then struck twice on Sunday in a 3-2 victory against No. 17 Oregon State, which allowed UCLA to move into a tie for first place in the Pac-12 standings and back into the NSCAA Top 10.

Joining Danladi on the TDS Team of the Week was the Portland Timbers U-23s’ Omar Holness, who had the decisive goal in North Carolina’s 1-0 victory against in-state rival N.C. State Friday night. The Jamaican international also had an assist as the Tar Heels took a 4-0 win against Georgia State earlier in the week.

In other college honors, former Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 goalkeeper Callum Irving claimed his third Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week award of the season as he helped Kentucky claim an upset of No. 9 New Mexico. Irving’s ninth shutout of the season lowered his goals-against average to a conference-best 0.41, as he has conceded only once in conference play to help the Wildcats to the top of the standings.

Orlando City U23’s Lucas Diniz took his second Atlantic Sun Offensive Player of the Week award for Stetson as he led the Hatters to a big 3-2 win against conference rival USC Upstate. Diniz, who made 11 appearances for the Lions this past summer, scored the overtime winner from the penalty spot to move Stetson to the top of the conference, while he moved into first place in the A-Sun in total points and assists.

FC Tucson’s Connor Brandt was named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Week as he led San Diego to a pair of victories to open conference play. Brandt, who had eight goals and three assists in 22 appearances for Tucson during the past two seasons, scored the game-winning goal in the Toreros’ 2-0 win against Saint Mary’s on Friday night and then provided the assists on both goals as San Diego rallied for a 2-1 win against Pacific.

Former Ocala Stampede forward Anthony Ugorji claimed the Big South Attacking Player of the Week as he led Longwood to a pair of victories. The senior scored four goals, including a hat trick, as the Lancers took victory against Presbytarian on Saturday night.

SC United Bantams midfielder Nicholas Watson earned the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week honor as he led Niagara to a 3-2 comeback victory against Iona on Saturday. Watson had a hat trick as at the Purple Eagles rallied from a two-goal halftime deficit to earn their second conference win of the season.

Former St. Louis Lions player Justin Bilyeu was named the Missouri Valley Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week as he scored the game-winning goal in SIU Edwardsville’s 4-0 win against Drake on Saturday night. Bilyeu, who competed for St. Louis Scott Gallagher in the Super-20 League this summer, was also part of a backline that held the Bulldogs to only two shots in a dominant victory.

Finally, ex-VSI Tampa Bay FC player Tarik Salkicic claimed the Summit League’s Offensive Player of the Week award as he scored the game-winning goal in Oral Roberts’ 2-1 victory against conference rival IUPUI. Salkicic’s goal came with 17 minutes to go, and earned the Golden Eagles their first conference win of the season.

Arizona United SC News Release -- www.arizonaunited.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

PEORIA, Ariz. – Arizona United Soccer Club has made its first marquee signing of the off-season by inking forward Long Tan to a multi-year deal, the team announced today. USL PRO and USSF must approve the signing. 

The signing of Tan – a member of the 2014 USL PRO’s All-League Second Team – sets into motion what promises to be a busy offseason for Arizona United SC, which completed its inaugural season in USL PRO during the 2014 campaign.

“We focused our energy in ensuring that Long Tan would be part of our club for many years to come,” said General Manager Kevin Stevenson. “We believe Long is a player we will build a playoff team around. Long is a fan favorite and in just two short months established himself as one of the best players in USL PRO.”

Tan originally signed with Arizona United Soccer Club in July and provided an immediate impact. In just 12 matches played, Tan finished tied for the team lead in goals scored with five, and led the team in shots with 32. With Tan, Arizona United Soccer Club increased its goals per game average by nearly double, going from 0.88 to 1.58.

After Tan joined the club, it posted a 6-4-2 record and made a late playoff push – including closing the season with a four-game winning streak against USL PRO opponents. Arizona United SC ultimately ended with the season with the club finishing one position shy of the eighth and final playoff spot.

Tan was named to the 2014 USL PRO All-League Second Team despite playing in only 12 matches.

Tan, 26, joined Arizona United SC after appearing in seven matches for the Chinese Football Associations Super League’s Harbin Yiteng FC in 2014.

Born in Dalian, Liaoning, China, Tan played for the Shanghai United FC U-18′s before he made his professional debut for Pudong Zubon F.C. in 2007-08.

Tan becomes the first player currently under contract with Arizona United SC for the 2015 campaign. The team expects the announcing of additional signings in the coming weeks.

For more information regarding Arizona United SC or to purchase tickets go online at arizonaunited.com. Fans and media can also follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer) or Twitter (@AZUnitedSC).

W-League & W-20 Feature

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

TAMPA, Fla. – West Virginia sophomore Kadeisha Buchanan, a 2013 W-League All-Central Conference selection with the Toronto Lady Lynx and a member of the Canadian Women’s National Team, was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week to highlight the list of W-League and W-20 players recognized for their NCAA Division I performances last week.

Buchanan, who also appeared in one match for Ottawa Fury FC in 2014, led the No. 10 Mountaineers to a pair of road shutouts this past weekend, holding Iowa State and then-No. 9 Kansas to a combined nine shots. West Virginia took 3-0 and 2-0 victories to improve to 11-2-2 overall and 4-0-1 in the conference.

Another Lady Lynx alum was chosen as Big 10 Offensive Player of the Week as Iowa forward Cloe Lacasse tallied two goals and two assists in wins against Indiana and Purdue. The senior tallied the game-winning assist in the Hawkeyes’ 1-0 win against the Hoosiers and scored twice and added an assist in Iowa’s 3-1 victory against Purdue to earn her second career Offensive Player of the Week award.

London Gryphons goalkeeper Miranda Horn took home Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week honors, as the George Washington freshman recorded consecutive shutouts for the Colonials in 1-0 wins against Davidson and Richmond. Horn combined for nine saves on 20 shots faced in the two games, including a clutch save on a penalty kick to preserve scoreless tie before GW junior Kristi Abbate netted the game-winner. Horn owns the second best goals-against average (0.71) and save percentage (.864) in the A-10.

Also honored by the A10 for the second consecutive week was Reading United AC W-20 midfielder Emily Gingrich, who was named co-Player of the Week following a week in which she scored all three of Saint Joseph's goals in two winning efforts. The sophomore netted a pair of first-half goals against St. Bonaventure on Friday in a 2-0 win, before recording the game-winner against Duquesne in the final five minutes of play. Gingrich leads the A-10 in shots (75) and game-winning goals (7), and is tied for first with 13 goals.

Savannah McCaskill of the Carolina Elite Cobras continued her strong freshman season at the University of South Carolina, earning the SEC Freshman of the Week nod after netting a pair of tallies, including the 89^th-minute game-winner, in a thrilling 3-2 win against No. 5 Florida Thursday night. McCaskill won the match on a bouncing header off a corner kick service from Chelsea Drennan after scoring her first goal of the night in the 34th minute.

Also earning SEC accolades was Lake Norman SC W-20 standout Emily Rusk, who was named Defensive Player of the Week after recording her second set of back-to-back shutouts in SEC play for Alabama this season. Rusk made 15 saves during the weekend - eight in a scoreless tie versus Arkansas and seven in a 1-0 win against Missouri.

Former LA Blues star Sam Mewis took home Pac-12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after she had a hand in five of UCLA’s nine goals in wins against No. 22 California and No. 23 Arizona. In the 3-0 victory against Cal Mewis tallied two assists, including on the game-winner by Darian Jenkins in the 47th minute. The senior also assisted on the game-winner against Arizona, while also netting a goal in the 89th minute for her team-leading 10th tally of the season and a final score of 6-0.

A 2013 member of the Charlotte Lady Eagles, Liberty senior Maddie Boone was named Big South Defensive Player of the Week after she led a defensive unit that held Gardner-Webb to only five shots - four on goal - in a 2-1 road victory. She also added her first goal of the season in the 58th minute to give Liberty a 1-0 lead.

PDL Feature

Thursday, October 23, 2014

A key clash at the top of the Pac-12 standings, with current and former players from the PDL on both sides, highlights this weekend’s Division I Men’s Soccer action available on national television and online.

No. 4 Washington vs. No. 6 UCLA, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
Two teams tied at the top of the Pac-12 standings meet for the second successive weekend as the Bruins will try to claim a season sweep of the Huskies at Husky Soccer Field. UCLA took a 2-1 win against Washington last Thursday on home turf as former OC Pateadores Blues midfielder Leo Stolz scored his sixth goal of the season, and Ventura County Blues standout Abu Danladi had an assist. Danladi went on to grab a pair of goals in victory against Oregon State to take the conference’s Player of the Week award, but UCLA will face a big challenge in repeating its success against a Washington side that has won five of its six contests at home this season. The Huskies bounced back from their defeat against the Bruins with a 3-2 win against San Diego State as the Sounders FC U23’s Ian Lange and Washington Crossfire’s Justin Schmidt both found the net, but the big danger-man for UCLA to watch will be Sounders U23 forward Darwin Jones, who leads the side with eight goals and four assists.

Louisville vs. Clemson, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3
The Cardinals and Tigers sit tied alongside Syracuse at the top of the ACC’s Coastal Division, and three points for either side would be big as they jockey for seeding for the conference tournament at Lynn Stadium. The Cardinals upset the Orange last weekend to set up the three-way tie at the top of the standings, and then cruised to a 3-0 win in midweek as Orlando City U23 standout Andrew Brody had a goal and an assist. The Portland Timbers U-23s’ Ben Strong has also had an impact for the Cardinals this fall with five goals and three assists, while FC Tucson’s Ricardo Velazco, the PDL’s Young Player of the Year this summer, has four goals and three assists. Clemson took a 2-1 victory against Virginia in its last conference outing as Reading United AC’s Manolo Sanchez had a goal and an assist. Sanchez leads the Tigers with five assists, while former SC United Bantams midfielder Ara Amirkhanian had added three helpers.

South Carolina vs. No. 19 Kentucky, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Wildcats made their return to the NSCAA Top 25 for the first time since October, 2011 this week as they moved to the top of the Conference USA standings with a 2-0 win against New Mexico. Currently on a four-game winning streak, Kentucky has been led by former Vancouver Whitecaps U-23 goalkeeper Callum Irving, who has recorded nine shutouts in 14 games and has a 0.41 goals-against average, while the River City Rovers’ Napo Matsoso has a goal and four assists. The Wildcats visit Stone Stadium and a Gamecocks side that will be trying to bounce back from a midweek defeat against N.C. State, and that has alternated wins and losses in its past eight games. Midfielder Mahamoudou Kaba, who helped the Michigan Bucks win the PDL Championship this summer, has three goals for South Carolina, while IMG Bradenton Academy goalkeeper Marco Velez is set to start as he looks to improve his 1.59 goals-against average.

W-League Feature

Thursday, October 23, 2014

With current and former W-League standouts on both sides, the top two teams in the ACC meet in a top-five clash to highlight this weekend’s Division I Women’s Soccer action that can be viewed on national television or online.

No. 5 North Carolina vs. No. 2 Florida State, Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3
Both the Tar Heels and Seminoles have perfect 7-0-0 records entering their clash at Fetzer Field, and the top seed for the ACC Tournament could be settled with a decisive result. Florida State arrives in Chapel Hill coming off a 3-0 win against Pittsburgh that saw the LA Blues’ Cheyna Williams record a goal and an assist. Williams has seven goals and three assists, while the Seattle Sounders Women’s Marta Bakowska-Mathews is tied for the team lead with 21 points with eight goals and five assists. Colorado Rush standout Carson Pickett has also racked up a team-best 10 assists. North Carolina also took a 3-0 win in its last outing, a victory against Duke that saw the Washington Spirit Reserves’ Emily Bruder score twice. FSU’s Williams will face one of her Blues’ teammates as Paige Neilsen will likely play an important role for the Tar Heels, while Bruder’s Spirit Reserves teammate Satara Murray will lead a defense charged with keeping the Seminoles off the scoreboard.

Oregon vs. No. 1 UCLA, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network
The Bruins look to continue their undefeated season with a trip to the northwest to face the Ducks. UCLA is on a five-game winning streak, which included a 6-0 win in its last outing against Arizona. LA Blues standout Sarah Killion, a 2014 W-League All-League selection, had two goals and an assist against the Wildcats and now has five goals and 10 assists to sit second on the team in points. Leading the way is fellow Blues player Sam Mewis, who scored her 10th goal of the season against Arizona, while Caprice Dydasco and Abby Dahlkemper have led a defense that has conceded only four goals in 15 games this season. Oregon would appear to face an uphill battle, but will hope for solid performances from former Real Colorado Cougars forward Bri Pugh, who has two goals and an assist this season, and former Atlanta Silverbacks player Ryann Davie, who has played more than 1,000 minutes this season.

No. 22 Georgia vs. Kentucky, Sunday, 6 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
The Bulldogs and Wildcats face a battle for seeding in the SEC Tournament when they meet at the UGA Soccer Stadium. Georgia enters the weekend a point ahead of Kentucky in third place in the SEC standings after goals by former Atlanta Silverbacks Rachel Garcia and Gabby Seiler earned a 2-0 win against LSU in its last outing. Seiler leads the team with nine goals and eight assists, and will try to add to that total against the Wildcats, who are led by Ottawa Fury FC standout Arin Gilliland. An All-Central Conference selection this past summer, Gilliland has six goals and eight assists this fall, while fellow Fury player Courtney Raetzman has also scored six goals for the Wildcats.

W-League Feature

Friday, October 24, 2014

The United States Women’s National Team can book its place at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday night as it faces Mexico in the semifinals of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship at PPL Park.

The top three teams from the tournament gain automatic entry into next year’s World Cup, with the fourth-placed team set to face Ecuador in a home-and-home playoff for a berth. The U.S. will be looking to avoid a repeat of four years ago, however, when Mexico stunned the side with a 2-1 semifinal victory. The loss remains the only time the U.S. has been defeated at the CONCACAF Women’s Championship.

This year’s side successfully navigated its way through the group stage with three wins out of three, led by former Rochester Ravens forward Abby Wambach. The veteran has scored three goals so far, while former LA Blues forward Tobin Heath and New Jersey Wildcats midfielder Carli Lloyd have each struck twice.

Mexico also includes a number of former W-League players, including ex-FC Indiana forward Monica Ocampo, who has scored twice this tournament. Also in the squad is former Santa Clarita Blue Heat midfielder Dinora Garza, while Tanya Samarzich appeared this summer for the LA Blues.

The United States is yet to concede a goal at the tournament, but will likely get its biggest test so far against Mexico. Former LA Blues defender Whitney Engen found the back of the net, and has been solid throughout the tournament, while former New Jersey Lady Stallions defender Christie Rampone would make her 300th appearance for the United States should she appear on Friday night. Rampone would become only the second player to reach the landmark, following former teammate Kristine Lilly.

The action from PPL Park kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET as Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago meet in the first semifinal, which can be seen live on Fox Sports 2. The United States faces Mexico in the second semifinal, which will air on Fox Sports 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

USL PRO Feature

Friday, October 24, 2014

The moment the call came, the emotions going through LA Galaxy II defender Oscar Sorto’s mind were going a mile-a-minute.

He was going to Turkey, to the World Cup, to represent the United States U20 National Team.

“At the moment, you try to take things seriously, but inside I was super-happy,” Sorto said recently. “Every player works hard to make the World Cup, or at least make the roster for a national team, and it’s an emotional thing.

A Homegrown signing from the Galaxy Academy two years ago, Sorto was working his way back from injury a month before the squad was set to be announced. While he wasn’t at 100 percent, however, he impressed in the action he saw, and this year progressed into the U.S. U23 squad as it begins preparation for the 2016 Olympics, including a memorable trip earlier this month to face Brazil in Brasilia.

“It was like something that I didn’t even think was going to happen,” Sorto said of his appearance against Brazil, “at such a young age, playing against Brazil and getting ready for the Olympics, but it was good playing against the world-class players Brazil has, it was a good experience for me.”

Sorto’s progression has been helped by the consistent playing time the 20-year-old has been able to earn with the LA Galaxy II this summer. As noted by TopDrawerSoccer’s Will Parchman recently, his increased reliability has been evident as he appeared in 23 regular-season games, and logged 1,808 minutes, good for third on the team behind captain Rafael Garcia and All-League selection Daniel Steres.

“I think it was a good idea that the Galaxy opened up a USL PRO team, because that gets me and my other teammates, young players to get minutes, and to be healthy just in case the first team needs help,” Sorto said. “It keeps us playing consistent games every week, and it helped me out this year a lot as well as the other players.”

Sorto also enjoyed having the chance to continue to play alongside a number of his fellow Academy teammates. In addition to Sorto, Jack McBean, Raul Mendiola and Jose Villarreal were all part of the club’s U18 side in 2011-12, making up almost half of the nine current and former Galaxy Academy players who appeared for Los Dos this season.

“Yeah, it’s nice because we’ve been playing four years already together, and the chemistry is there, and on the field we motivate each other,” Sorto said. “I enjoy when they’re having fun on the field, just competing, especially Raul, because he’s a skillful player, and he always wants to win just like the rest of us. Jack, I like how he battles for every ball, he never quits on a play, that’s what I enjoy when I’m on the field with them, and I just try to back them up and help them out with everything they need.”

Sorto is also having fun playing for his hometown team. A native of Los Angeles, Sorto still gets the chance to return to the fields where he first learned the game, where he is now looked up to by the young players who hope to follow in his footsteps.

“It means a lot,” Sorto said. “Where I grew up, not many kids have the opportunity that I’m having right now, and it means a lot because now when I go back to the fields where I grew up, I see little kids telling me I’m their role model, and I take that in mind, and I think it’s helping me to work even harder.”

One of the other things that is providing motivation is the push to find a place in the Galaxy’s first team. Sorto has made his MLS debut, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 win against Chivas USA on April 6 this year, and has been training regularly with the squad since the USL PRO season came to an end. While a fan of Brazilian legend Ronaldo growing up, Sorto is eager to learn from his more experienced defensive counterparts as he tries to take his game to the next level.

“I grew up watching [Ronaldo], and I wanted to be like him, but when it came to the Galaxy, my mind just changed completely,” Sorto said “I was starting to watch A.J. [De La Garza], Omar [Gonzalez], Todd [Dunivant], even Sean Franklin in a defensive role, so I was more focusing on my position, and that’s what’s helping me out right now. I try to get some tips from them, especially from A.J., because he plays all four positions in the back.”

The other motivation, of course, is to remain in the national team’s plans two years from now. After gaining confidence from the side’s recent trip to Brazil, Sorto has his aim firmly fixed on being in the squad when qualifying begins.

“Now the cycle’s started, that’s when we have to work more and be ready when the national team calls us next year, and try to win a spot,” Sorto said. “It’s not going to be easy, because there’s a lot of good players, but hopefully I’ll make the Olympic squad.”

PDL Roundup

Saturday, October 25, 2014

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Sounders FC U23 forward Jordan Morris and former Ventura County Fusion midfielder Brandon Vincent each found the back of the net as No. 11 Stanford cruised to a 3-0 victory against San Francisco on Friday night at Negoesco Stadium.

Vincent gave the Cardinal the lead from the penalty spot as Dons’ defender Josh Smith was sent off after a handball on the goal line denied a shot by Zach Bateer. Vincent stepped up and slotted home his sixth goal of the season, a team-high.

The story of the night was that of Stanford captain Jimmy Callinan, however, who scored his first goal for the Cardinal in his hometown. Portland Timbers U-23s player Foster Langsdorf played provider for his captain, whose cross found Eric Verso at the far post for a knock-back header that Callinan was on hand to tap home.

“It’s awesome and you’re just so happy for him,” Stanford head coach Jeremy Gunn said. “He’s been fantastic this year and is leading the team so well. You can see how desperate he is to score and how desperate he is to help the team. That’s a great one for him. I’m sure he’ll sleep well tonight.”

Sounders U23 standout Morris capped the performance in the 70th minute as Bateer’s chipped pass put the U.S. international in behind the Dons’ defense, and Morris finished calmly for his third goal of the season.

No. 7 CHARLOTTE 1, UAB 0: Carolina Dynamo forward Monbo Bokar scored the only goal as the 49ers defeated the Blazers at Transamerica Field.

Bokar scored in just the sixth minute as Matej Dekovic created space on the right and sent a cross in that Bokar was able to send into the right corner for his sixth goal of the season. The victory moved the 49ers into sole possession of first place in Conference USA.

No. 9 NORTH CAROLINA 2, BOSTON COLLEGE 0: Former Ocala Stampede midfielder Verneri Valimaa had both goals as the Tar Heels took victory against the Eagles at Newton Campus Field.

Valimaa opened the scoring in the 32nd minute moments after coming off the bench, as he pounced on the rebound of a shot by Midland-Odessa Sockers forward Walker Hume. Valimaa added a second in the final minute as Portland Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Brendan Moore notched his fifth consecutive shutout and ninth of the season to lead UNC to victory.

W-League Roundup

Saturday, October 25, 2014

MADISON, Wisc. – Former Toronto Lady Lynx standout Kodee Williams scored the only goal as No. 12 Wisconsin took a 1-0 victory against No. 16 Rutgers on Senior Night at the McClimon Complex on Friday night.

The victory moved the Badgers into sole possession of second place in the Big Ten standings, as two-time W-League Goalkeeper of the Year Genevieve Richard recorded her side’s 12th shutout of the season.

The Badgers’ goal arrived in the 25th minute, as freshman Becca Harrison sent in a cross that Williams headed home for her fifth goal of the season. Richard then stood firm as Rutgers pressed for an equalizer led by her Laval Comets teammate Amy Pietrangelo. Richard made five of her six saves in the second half as Wisconsin held on for an important victory.

"It's pretty unreal. I really can't put it in any other words," Williams said. "It's really great for us to be playing this well. We had something to prove coming into this season. I think we've been doing all the right things up until now. It's a really great feeling."

The victory was Wisconsin’s 14th of the season, the first time the program has reached that mark since 2004. The Badgers will now try to maintain their hold on second place ahead of the Big Ten Tournament with two games remaining in the regular season.

No. 1 UCLA 3, OREGON STATE 0: The LA Blues’ Sarah Killion and Sam Mewis each found the back of the net as the Bruins took a comfortable victory against the Beavers at Lorenz Field.

Killion, a W-League All-League selection this past summer, scored her sixth goal of the season from the penalty spot less than a minute into the second half, and Mewis added her team-high 11th with just under 20 minutes to go. Fellow Blues player Caprice Dydasco then set up Kylie McCarthy to wrap up the scoring.

No. 4 STANFORD 3, ARIZONA 2: Former Ottawa Fury FC standout Taylor Uhl had two goals and an assist, including the overtime game-winner, as the Cardinal held off the Wildcats at Mulcahy Stadium.

The Cardinal took the lead just 46 seconds into the game, as Uhl found former LA Strikers forward Lo’eau LaBonta to open the scoring, and Uhl notched her first in the 19th minute to give Stanford a 2-0 halftime lead. Arizona surged back in the second half to level the score through Julia Glanz and Gabi Stoian, but Uhl scored the winner in the 99th minute to keep her side in second place in the Pac-12 standings.

No. 7 PENN STATE 3, NEBRASKA 1: The Colorado Pride’s Mallory Weber was on target as the Nittany Lions took victory against the Cornhuskers at Jeffrey Field.

Weber, a W-League All-Western Conference selection this past summer, scored the opening goal in the fourth minute as she headed home a cross by Emily Hurd. Frannie Crouse added a second in the 40th minute before Nebraska answered through Mayme Conroy, but Haleigh Echard wrapped up the win in the final minute for the Nittany Lions.

No. 8 FLORIDA 3, TENNESSEE 1: 2013 W-League Rookie of the Year Savannah Jordan had a pair of goals as the Gators took victory against the Volunteers at Pressley Stadium.

Tennessee took the lead in the fifth minute through Hannah Wilkinson, and held the lead until the halftime break. Florida got back on level terms with 20 minutes to go through Jordan, and the former Atlanta Silverbacks Women standout added her 13th of the season with six minutes to go after Tessa Andujar had put the Gators ahead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

No. 18 WASHINGTON 1, UTAH 0: Seattle Sounders Women midfielder Jaclyn Softli scored as the Huskies claimed a road victory against the Utes at Ute Field.

Softli scored her 10th goal of the season just past the hour-mark as a cross from Shannon Simon popped high in the air, and allowed the senior to put home a finish from five yards out. The victory was Washington’s fifth in the Pac-12 this season, as the Huskies maintained their hold on third place in the conference standings.

No. 19 TEXAS TECH 1, BAYLOR 0: The Colorado Rush’s Janine Beckie scored the only goal as the Red Raiders took victory against the Bears at the Walker Soccer Complex.

Beckie’s goal arrived with 19 minutes to go, as she put home the rebound from Hannah Devine’s initial shot. Beckie had previously hit the post, but her 11th goal of the season clinched the Red Raiders a place in the Big 12 Tournament.